Multiple Choice
Which of the following traits is Lisa most likely to inherit from her mother, assuming the trait is determined by a single dominant allele?
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20. Quantitative Genetics
Traits and Variance
Multiple Choice
In the context of traits and variance, what best describes polygenic inheritance?
A
A single trait is influenced by many genes, often producing continuous variation in the population.
B
A trait is controlled by genes located only on the Y chromosome and therefore appears only in males.
C
Two alleles at one locus are both fully expressed in the heterozygote, producing a blended phenotype.
D
A single gene determines a trait with distinct, discrete phenotypic categories.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that polygenic inheritance refers to a situation where multiple genes contribute to a single trait, rather than just one gene controlling the trait.
Recognize that traits influenced by many genes often show continuous variation, meaning the trait can have a range of phenotypes rather than distinct categories.
Contrast polygenic inheritance with other genetic concepts: for example, traits controlled by a single gene with discrete phenotypes, or traits linked to sex chromosomes like the Y chromosome.
Note that polygenic traits typically do not follow simple Mendelian inheritance patterns because the combined effect of many genes results in a spectrum of phenotypes.
Summarize that the best description of polygenic inheritance is that a single trait is influenced by many genes, often producing continuous variation in the population.
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